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Contact lenses cause most medical device-related adverse events among children, study finds
Pediatrics. 2010;126(2):247-259.
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Emergency department visits for medical device-associated adverse events in children are most commonly caused by contact lenses, a study found.
During the 2-year study period, researchers identified 144,799 cases of medical device-associated adverse events in patients from birth to 21 years of age. The cases involved mostly moderate-risk devices from 13 medical specialties.
Contact lenses accounted for the most adverse events overall (23%), and the majority of cases were found in children 11 years and older.
"The most frequently reported injury diagnoses resulting from contact lenses were corneal contusions/abrasions, conjunctivitis and hemorrhage, which are well-documented contact lens injuries," the study authors said. "The involvement of parents during the entire process of lens-fitting, care and follow-up monitoring is critical for preventing complications."
In children younger than 11 years, the majority of ophthalmic cases were related to eyeglasses (30%), which accounted for 6% of all medical device-associated adverse events.
"The public health burden is driven primarily by a few device categories, that is, ophthalmic devices and physical medicine devices," the study authors said. "Targeted interventions should be developed and resources should be directed to address pediatric [medical device-associated adverse events] with the greatest public health impact."